AmberHerrera wrote:
Suggest an action as opposed to a "pose" Most of the time you'll achieve more natural movement especially from a new model.

I like this.  Some models like to dance.  I often give the model a prop and tell her to work with it.  If she can't figure out what to do, I give her advice.

On the other hand, sometimes I suggest a pose and then tell the model to gradually modify it.

Anna Kl wrote:
As models get more experience they will learn to flow the poses much more effectively instead of standing/sitting in the same position moving their head around, every now and then however i always find it very helpful when the photog (like mentioned above) get very specific to the pose he sees in his/her head and guides you through it, these make for some killer shots

but overall, models shall never forget where the lighting is and how it affects the body, i find that some dont even realize that if there is no light, there is a shadow..and then in half the pictures their face turns out dark because they were looking in the opposite direction (unless this is what you want)
-let them know that the light is  there and does not move for them, they have to work around the light to make it work in a flattering way

Let them know to surf through magazines and fashion websites, pick out a # of poses they like, practise them in the mirror and cut it down to maybe 6/7 poses that flatter them, AND that they can do well (couple this with various emotion and your model is set)

Last that I will mention is elongating the body, its sad to see even 5'8, 5'9 models that come up looking much shorter in photos because of choppy lines . (pointing toes, stretching your body, can sometimes be the make it or break it factor for this)

*LAST LAST -MUUSIIIC!

Good advice. I've worked with a number of inexperienced models and my method is simple. I wrote a model guide. I send it to them and tell them it's copyrighted and its for their eyes only. One day I'll use it in a book.

I also send about 12-15 images of models posing that relate to the planned shoot. I bring those photos with me.

I direct and also point to general rules in posing. Often the model will start flowing like an experience model in some parts of the shoot as she has an idea of what she is doing and as she has seen the images we have created together she is often excited and will give you some surprisingly good poses.

One day I may just .pdf and sell the guide.

Anna Adrielle wrote:
If a photographer wants to coach me, I prefer visuals over him telling me things. so preferable example pics, or showing me on-camera what I was doing wrong/right in a certain picture, or even showing me the pose himself. much clearer than "okay so your right hand higher and your foot more to the side and your arm -nono other arm- more to the lift -no my left- ..."

Absolutely. The last thing I want is a model moving and dancing all over the place.

I use a pose book. I either give the image to the model or show it to her on the computer screen and say let's do this.

I've found that models enjoy a clear definition of what I'm looking for and one pose, in some cases, will lead to another pose created by the model herself.

Yes, I do the "Move your hand here, or turn a little to the left," etc., but providing the model the basic pose sure helps.

Anna Adrielle wrote:
If a photographer wants to coach me, I prefer visuals over him telling me things. so preferable example pics, or showing me on-camera what I was doing wrong/right in a certain picture, or even showing me the pose himself. much clearer than "okay so your right hand higher and your foot more to the side and your arm -nono other arm- more to the lift -no my left- ..."

I am short and chubby, I usually use this method, I can't imagine what I look like, and what the girls think.. They probably go out for drinks and laugh..

Anna Kl wrote:
As models get more experience they will learn to flow the poses much more effectively instead of standing/sitting in the same position moving their head around, every now and then however i always find it very helpful when the photog (like mentioned above) get very specific to the pose he sees in his/her head and guides you through it, these make for some killer shots

but overall, models shall never forget where the lighting is and how it affects the body, i find that some dont even realize that if there is no light, there is a shadow..and then in half the pictures their face turns out dark because they were looking in the opposite direction (unless this is what you want)
-let them know that the light is  there and does not move for them, they have to work around the light to make it work in a flattering way

Let them know to surf through magazines and fashion websites, pick out a # of poses they like, practise them in the mirror and cut it down to maybe 6/7 poses that flatter them, AND that they can do well (couple this with various emotion and your model is set)

Last that I will mention is elongating the body, its sad to see even 5'8, 5'9 models that come up looking much shorter in photos because of choppy lines . (pointing toes, stretching your body, can sometimes be the make it or break it factor for this)

*LAST LAST -MUUSIIIC!

Gotta have tuneage!!!

LA StarShooter wrote:

Good advice. I've worked with a number of inexperienced models and my method is simple. I wrote a model guide. I send it to them and tell them it's copyrighted and its for their eyes only. One day I'll use it in a book.

I also send about 12-15 images of models posing that relate to the planned shoot. I bring those photos with me.

I direct and also point to general rules in posing. Often the model will start flowing like an experience model in some parts of the shoot as she has an idea of what she is doing and as she has seen the images we have created together she is often excited and will give you some surprisingly good poses.

One day I may just .pdf and sell the guide.

That is a great idea. A lookbook type of thing.

AmberHerrera wrote:
What are the best tips for coaching a model. I've read and watched videos, but I would like to know from your first hand experience. (Coaching for Fashion)   

. . . . . . .

Please if you have any other pointers, let me know. I'd hate to steer anyone wrong.

As stated above, it's often helpful to show the model an image of the pose you want. Here are some good posing lists to draw from:

https://www.modelmayhem.com/list/540614

https://www.modelmayhem.com/list/574525


I also keep this in my profile to assist my models with the fine art of posing:

MODELS: Click on Stewie - If You Dare! 

Cheers
John
F2D4

Anna Kl wrote:
but overall, models shall never forget where the lighting is and how it affects the body

+100

If you do nothing else with a model, impress this upon them.

Of course that's assuming the photographer knows about light.